Weekly International Movie & TV Show News Roundup

Welcome back to your weekly briefing on everything hitting the big and small screens! If you’re like us at Rock Universe, your week is probably split between hunting for the perfect vintage-inspired band tee and deciding which new series to binge-watch until 2 AM.

This week (July 10-17, 2026) has been absolutely massive for the entertainment world. We’ve got emotional finales that are breaking the internet, legendary directors making the jump to streaming, and some casting shake-ups that have the gaming community talking. Grab your favorite snack, put on your Spiritbox Graphic Daypack for those theater runs, and let’s dive into the biggest stories of the week.

The Big Releases: Finales and Femmes Fatales

Heartstopper Forever (Netflix) – The End of an Era

It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for, and dreading. Today, July 17, Netflix officially released Heartstopper Forever. Rather than a traditional fourth season, Alice Oseman’s beloved story concludes with this feature-length film.

The finale follows Nick and Charlie as they face their biggest hurdle yet: university. With Nick heading off to start his next chapter and Charlie navigating his final year of school, the movie asks the heavy-hitting question: can first loves really last forever? Expect a lot of tears, some beautiful animation flourishes, and a cameo by the legendary Derek Jacobi. If you’re not ready to say goodbye, keep an eye out for the behind-the-scenes special, Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi, which drops on Netflix next week (July 24).

Lucky (Apple TV+) – Anya Taylor-Joy’s Latest Masterclass

Premiering on July 15, Lucky is the new Apple TV+ original that everyone is talking about. Starring the always-mesmerizing Anya Taylor-Joy, the film is a high-stakes psychological drama set against the backdrop of an elite, underground gambling ring.

Anya plays a woman with an uncanny ability to "read" the luck of others, leading her down a dangerous path of corporate espionage and betrayal. It’s slick, it’s stylish, and the costume design alone is enough to make any pop-culture fan swoon. If you loved The Queen’s Gambit, this is your next obsession.

Obsession (Peacock)

Rounding out the week's releases is Obsession, which hit Peacock today. This thriller series dives deep into the dark side of social media fame and the lengths people will go to protect their digital persona. It’s a bit gritty, a bit uncomfortable, and perfect for a Friday night binge.

Casting News: Legends and Legends-in-the-Making

The Roman: Scorsese and Isaac Team Up for Netflix

In a move that surprised absolutely no one but excited everyone, Martin Scorsese is officially heading back to Netflix for a new prestige series titled The Roman. The project stars Oscar Isaac as a high-ranking official in the final days of the Roman Republic.

Scorsese is set to direct the pilot and executive produce the entire series. Given Isaac's incredible range, seeing him tackle a historical epic under Marty’s direction is basically a guaranteed Emmy sweep. It’s being described as The Godfather meets Gladiator, focusing on the political backstabbing and power plays of the ancient world.

God of War: Kratos Gets a New Voice

The live-action God of War series at Amazon has hit a bit of a bump in the road. Following a lingering injury to fan-favorite Ryan Hurst, the production has made the difficult decision to recast the role of Kratos.

While fans are sending their best wishes to Hurst for a speedy recovery, the internet is already ablaze with rumors about who will step into the boots of the Ghost of Sparta. Production insiders suggest the show is looking for someone who can balance the raw physicality of Kratos with the emotional depth needed for the "Dad of War" era. Stay tuned, we expect a formal announcement by the end of the month.

Trailer Drop: Summer Teasers and Action Epics

Power: Origins

Starz finally gave us a first look at the prequel series Power: Origins. This teaser takes us back to the 90s, showing the early days of Ghost and Tommy as they first start to climb the ladder in the New York drug trade. The vibes are immaculate, lots of baggy jeans, classic hip-hop, and the tension that defined the original series.

The Uprising (Andrew Garfield & Paul Greengrass)

Andrew Garfield is teaming up with Bourne director Paul Greengrass for The Uprising. The trailer dropped this week, showcasing a fast-paced political thriller where Garfield plays a journalist who uncovers a massive government conspiracy. It looks intense, shaky-cam and all, and Garfield looks like he’s putting in another Oscar-worthy performance.

The Runner (Gal Gadot)

Gal Gadot is back in full action mode with The Runner. The trailer shows Gadot as a top-tier field agent who has to navigate a city under lockdown while being hunted by a rogue black-ops unit. It’s high-octane, high-budget, and looks like the perfect popcorn flick for the late summer season.

The Shards (FX/Hulu)

Ryan Murphy is bringing Bret Easton Ellis’s The Shards to FX. The trailer is haunting, featuring a group of privileged LA teens in the early 80s who realize a serial killer might be in their social circle. It has that classic Murphy aesthetic, gorgeous people in terrifying situations.

International Focus: Global Streaming Trends

Streaming isn't just about Hollywood anymore, and this week proved that the best content is often coming from across the globe.

• A Bona Fide Killer (K-Drama): Kong Hyo-jin stars in this dark comedy-thriller about a housewife who accidentally becomes a legendary assassin. It’s already topping the charts in South Korea and is trending globally on Netflix.
• Queenstown (Netflix NZ): Netflix’s first-ever New Zealand original series, Queenstown, is a stunning murder mystery set against the breathtaking Southern Alps. If you like Broadchurch or Top of the Lake, you’ll love this.
• Ganito Ganyan Ganoon (Filipino Netflix Drama): A sprawling family saga that explores the complexities of modern life in Manila. It’s being praised for its heart and incredible acting.
• Hunting Alice Bell (Channel 4): A British thriller that follows a woman (Alice Bell) who is being gaslit by an unknown stalker. It’s tense, claustrophobic, and very, very British.
• Marc by Sofia (HBO Max): For the fashion and film nerds, Sofia Coppola’s documentary on Marc Jacobs is a must-watch. It’s a dreamy, intimate look at the legendary designer’s career through Sofia’s unique lens.

Wrap Up

Whether you’re mourning the end of Heartstopper or getting hyped for Oscar Isaac as a Roman senator, there is no shortage of stuff to watch this month. And hey, if you’re planning a marathon session on the couch, make sure you’re doing it in style. Check out our collection of officially licensed Nirvana merchandise to find the perfect shirt for your next binge-watch.

Which of these releases are you most excited for? Head over to our socials and let us know!